Anyone else dithering about taking HRT?

[FeatherChops]

I’m 53 and as the title says, dithering.

I did take it for a very short time a couple of years ago as a sort of prevention thing as I had no symptoms of menopause really. I stopped for reasons unknown - just I decided I didn’t feel comfortable taking it. Oh and I was also quite overweight so thought I’d lose the weight and then retry

So my BMI is now 22 and normal. And now I have menopausal symptoms which are to be expected obvs at 53. I have what are probably hot flushes quite a few times a day and my sleep isn’t great despite having good ‘sleep hygiene.’ And zero sex drive.

i still have periods most months although nothing since February now but id be surprised if I was done!

im aware I’m also really lacking in muscle mass

So I make the decision to start taking it and then… I get a bit nervous. No idea why? I’m relatively well informed, I know what protective benefits it has, I’m aware of the risks and I’m also not being swayed by the ‘Davina / Dr Newson effect.’

anyone else relate? I don’t try and manage it with supplements (bar magnesium and a gentle iron tablet which I need) because I know low oestrogen won’t be fixed with a multivitamin.

The thing is more women get dementia than men - even taking longer lives out of the data. So it has to be related to women’s hormones or lack of them. Brain fog is such a common symptom of low oestrogen hrt probably is good for our brains. Yes more research is needed but it won’t be quick as it needs to include the new hrt products and for women to live til old age!